(March 27, 2015, Jackson, TN) – According to an announcement from superintendent Dr Verna Ruffin, Rose Hill Middle School Principal, Ned Lewis has been suspended pending further investigation by the school system.
The action is in response to reports filed by parents of students at Rose Hill Middle School of alleged corporal punishment without parental consent. School officials had no further comment about the ongoing investigation.
According to School Board Policy: A parent or guardian must indicate annually in writing that corporal punishment/paddling may not be administered. This document must be kept in the student’s record until withdrawn by the parent or guardian.
The policy also states
1. Corporal punishment/paddling shall be administered only after other less stringent measures have failed;
2. Corporal punishment/paddling shall be reasonable;
3. Corporal punishment/paddling shall be administered in the presence of another licensed employee; and
4. The nature of the punishment will be such that it is in proportion to the gravity of the offense and the apparent disposition of the offender.
According to policy, For each administration of corporal punishment/paddling, the principal shall complete a corporal punishment/paddling record form developed by the director of schools. Such form shall contain the name of the student, the type of misconduct, previous disciplinary measures used, parent contact information, the type of corporal punishment/paddling administered, the name of the person administering the punishment, the name of the witness present and the date and time of punishment. Within twenty-four (24) hours of the administration of corporal punishment/paddling, a copy of the corporal punishment/ paddling report shall be submitted to the director of schools and a copy shall be mailed to the parent or guardian. The report shall be filed in the school office and made available to the parent or student, whichever is appropriate.
Lewis has been with the Jackson-Madison County School System since 2010 and principal at Rose Hill Middle School since 2012.
